How to Move Your Pet to Hong Kong: A Guide For Pet Parents
It’s crucial to plan your pet’s move months in advance to secure your desired travel date and ensure all health and import requirements are met.
Minimum Age Requirements for Importing Pets to Hong Kong
Before taking any steps, it's essential to understand which import category your pet falls under, as this will determine the specific requirements you'll need to follow. Hong Kong classifies pets into three categories based on the rabies status of the country of origin:
Category 1 – Rabies-Free Countries
If you’re importing your pet from a rabies-free country such as Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, your pet must be at least 60 days old at the time of import.
Category 2 – Rabies-Controlled Countries
If you’re importing your pet from one of the rabies-controlled countries listed below, your pet must be older than 5 months at the time of import to Hong Kong.
Rabies-Controlled Countries Include:
Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Brunei, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Guam, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Norway, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Taiwan, United States (continental), Vanuatu, and Virgin Islands.
Category 3 – High-Risk Rabies Countries
If your pet is coming from a country not listed in Category 1 or 2, it is considered high-risk. In this case, your pet must also be at least 60 days old.
What Are Hong Kongs's Pet Restrictions?
- Pets that are more than 4 months pregnant.
- Bengal cats unless accompanied by documentation certifying they are at least 5 generations removed
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Banned dog breeds, including: Pit Bull Terrier (also known as American Staffordshire Terrier), Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Any crossbreeds of these restricted breeds
Should I Keep My Pet’s Original Health Documents When Moving to Hong Kong?
Make sure to keep all original health documents with your pet's at all times. Do not pack or take them with you—they are your pet’s “passport” for travel!
Health Requirements For Pet's to Enter Hong Kong
Microchip
Microchip Timing: Your pet's microchip must be implanted before receiving their most recent vaccinations.
ISO-Compliant Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped for identification before entry into Hong Kong.
The microchip must be:
- A 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785), or an AVID 9-digit microchip
The microchip must be scannable and implanted before any rabies vaccination to ensure accurate identification.
Regular Microchip Scans: Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during every vet visit. Confirm the microchip is functioning, readable, and matches all medical records.
Avoid Travel Delays: If your pet's microchip is unreadable or its information is incorrect on paperwork, it could delay their travel plans.
What Vaccines Are Needed For Your Pet?
Rabies VaccineCategory 1 – Rabies-Free Countries
Rabies vaccination is not mandatory.
Category 2 – Rabies-Controlled Countries
Your pet’s rabies vaccine must be given no less than 30 days and no more than 1 year before export.
Category 3 – High-Risk Rabies Countries
While the rabies vaccine is optional for pets, dogs and cats arriving from high-risk rabies countries will be subject to a minimum 120-day quarantine upon arrival in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has now introduced a streamlined import process for Category 3A countries (Malaysia, Macao, China, and Lithuania), allowing pets to qualify for just 30 days of quarantine with a valid rabies titre test and a 3-month waiting period.
Please note:
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Quarantine facilities require advance reservations and may be fully booked 18 to 24 months in advance.
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In some cases, pet owners may choose to relocate their pets to an approved "middle country" (a rabies-controlled or rabies-free location) for a minimum 6-month residency. This may allow entry into Hong Kong without the quarantine requirement.
If you work with WorldCare Pet Transport, your dedicated pet relocation counselor can guide you through this process and help identify the best options for your pet's journey.
Additional Vaccines
To ensure a safe and compliant relocation process, all dogs and cats must be current on essential vaccinations. The specific requirements depend on the country your pet is coming from, but the following general guidelines apply.
For pets moving from Category 1 and 2 countries, required vaccines must be administered at least 14 days and no more than 1 year before export to Hong Kong. For pets coming from Category 3 countries, vaccines must be administered at least 30 days before departure and remain valid within 1 year of travel.
Required Vaccinations for Dogs:
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DHPP + Lepto: Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis
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Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Must be given within 6 months of travel
Required Vaccinations for Cats
- FVRCP: Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia
These vaccination requirements help protect your pet's health and ensure a smooth entry into Hong Kong. If you're working with WorldCare Pet Transport, your Pet Relocation Counselor will help you stay on track with all necessary documentation and timing.
Document Requirements For Pet's To Enter Hong Kong
Health Certificate
A government-approved veterinarian must complete a full health examination, fill out the Hong Kong health certificate, and endorse all required documents within 7 to 14 days of your pet’s departure. If you choose to work with WorldCare Pet Transport, our experienced team will guide you through this entire process to ensure your pet’s travel documents are in order.
Hong Kong Import Permit
For pets arriving from Category 1 and Category 2 countries, this process must be completed prior to entry into Hong Kong, ideally no less than two weeks before arrival. For pets from Category 3 countries, it should be done at least 30 days in advance. When you work with WorldCare Pet Transport, your dedicated Pet Relocation Counselor and our trusted local partners will help coordinate every step.
FAQ: Moving Your Pet To Hong Kong
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